Feb 21, 2003 - Making it's debut at the Geneva show, the Evalia design study hints at a possible direction for a future compact family car. The innovative design combines coupé lines with hatchback practicality, and was created by Nissan Design in Europe – now fully installed in Nissan’s newly opened design studio in London, England after its transfer from Munich, Germany.

Seen as a potential direction for a contender in the C-segment, Evalia aims to provide the practicality needed by a young family at the same time as satisfying the emotional needs of the image-conscious driving enthusiast.

Among its unique features are parallel opening front and rear doors and the lack of a central B-pillar – vehicle strength is channelled through the sills and roof. By removing the B-pillar, easy access to the passenger compartment is ensured.

Although extremely spacious inside, and with a host of practical storage solutions, Evalia is designed to be more sports car than mini van. With a coupé-inspired driving position and lowered sports suspension, Evalia shows the move into parenthood need not coincide with the end of driving fun.

Geneva also sees the European launch of the production 350Z, special edition versions of the X-TRAIL, Pickup and Terrano as well as a facelifted Patrol GR and Almera Tino mini-MPV.